Julius Korir (born 21 April 1960) is a former Kenyan athlete, who won the 3.000 m steeplechase at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Julius Korir
Personal information
Born21 April 1960 (1960-04-21) (age 64)
Nandi, Kenya
Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing  Kenya
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1984 Los Angeles 3000m steeplechase
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 1982 Brisbane 3000m steeplechase

Korir was born in Nandi, Kenya. He rose into the international athletics scene in 1982, when he surprisingly won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Korir improved his times during the 1983 season, but finished only seventh at the first World Championships. He continued to improve in 1984 and, after winning his semi-final at the 1984 Summer Olympics, established himself as a serious medal contender for the gold medal. In the Olympic final, Korir was always with the leaders, and when he started his sprint for home with just over half a lap remaining, the rest of the field were unable to match his speed.

Korir missed the 1985 season due to injury, and although he competed for several more years, he never again represented his country at a major international championships.

Running for the Washington State Cougars, he won the 1984 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships title in the 5000 m, and the 1986 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships title in the 3000 m steeplechase.[1]

Achievements

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Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing   Kenya
1982 African Championships Cairo, Egypt 2nd 3000 m steeple 8:32.20

References

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  1. ^ "Julius Korir (2004) - Hall of Fame". Washington State University Athletics. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
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